NAMI ...anyone involved?

[runnergirl812]

Has anyone gotten involved with a local NAMI chapter? If yes, what has been your experience? Positive? Negative?

I'm contemplating it joining a local chapter as a dues paying member, simply for the group sessions and the resources. Plus I miss volunteering and it may help me (mentally) to get back into that as well.

If not, do you volunteer elsewhere? Would you consider it? What kinds of things do you volunteer for, if at all?

No condemnation if you don't have time. I'm simply looking for ideas here. I'm busy too, and I'd like to find a cause to fit my schedule and fluctuating energy levels.

[Deleted]

I volunteer with our local NAMI. I've only done a few things, but I like it.

[runnergirl812]

@led I thought it might be comforting? to meet people IRL who are struggling like me. I feel alone sometimes and isolated from being able to talk about my diagnosis.

[icequeen]

I have never heard of this organization, so thank you for pointing it out to me. It really sounds like a valuable resource. I've gone through many fruitless searches to find support for my own issues, especially my ED, but it seems like it is VERY scarce in LA. I would love to volunteer but unfortunately have no spare time. Hopefully once our family life is a bit more established, I can go help out. I have thought of starting a support group at our church but never carried out with it. I really want to reach out to others who are struggling in the same way I am. I hope you find something and that it is beneficial to you!

[juliayadda]

As a Canadian, I have never heard of NAMI. I dont know if there is an equivalent in Canada.

I support this Charity www.difd.com/ "Do it for Daron" which is directed towards removing stigma surrounding mental health issues in youth and encouraging young people to seek help.

I should warn that charity is in honour of a very sad story. I just made the mistake of reading through the website again and got pretty sad.

[Deleted]

I was involved with NAMI years ago. I think overall they are a great organization.

[tjr42px]

Jun 8, 2015 21:52:12 GMT -5 @wallflwr926 said:

I was involved with NAMI years ago. I think overall they are a great organization.

This. It's been probably 10 years since I was involved. I used to do the NAMI walk locally and attended a few other events. It's a great resource and support network.

[KayVeeKay]

I don't volunteer with a mental health organization, but I like to help out at the local animal shelter. They're a good group of people and will go to great lengths to get the animals adopted instead of resorting to euthanasia. I've fostered for them, worked with the dogs, worked at their adoption drives, and taken photos to make sure they have the best photos possible to find the right family. I know it isn't much, but animals have always been my go-to for comfort, so I naturally want to help them.

[tjr42px]

Jun 9, 2015 8:54:11 GMT -5 KayVeeKay said:

I don't volunteer with a mental health organization, but I like to help out at the local animal shelter. They're a good group of people and will go to great lengths to get the animals adopted instead of resorting to euthanasia. I've fostered for them, worked with the dogs, worked at their adoption drives, and taken photos to make sure they have the best photos possible to find the right family. I know it isn't much, but animals have always been my go-to for comfort, so I naturally want to help them.

It's no small thing. Animals are amazing healers/companions. You are helping them heal so they can heal others and bring joy to families. Well done KayVeeKay!